On June 1, 2023, authorities in Canada issued a warning to the public about potential fraud schemes as the FIFA World Cup approaches. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) stated that fans should be cautious when purchasing tickets or merchandise online, as scammers often target large events like the World Cup.
“We’ve seen an increase in reports of fraudulent activity related to the World Cup, and we want to remind Canadians to be vigilant when making online purchases,” said RCMP Constable, Amy Lawrence, from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre in Ottawa.
There was a sense of unfolding as fans began to realize the extent of the potential scams. In 2018, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre received over 1,200 reports of fraud related to the FIFA World Cup, resulting in estimated losses of $1.3 million. This year, authorities expect the number of scams to increase due to the growing popularity of online marketplaces. FIFA World Cup tickets are a major target for scammers, who often use fake websites or social media ads to lure victims. The RCMP advises fans to only purchase tickets from authorized retailers and to be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. As the tournament approaches, fans can stay informed about potential scams by following the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre on Facebook or Instagram. The economic impact of these scams can be significant, with the average loss per victim estimated to be around $1,000. Authorities are working to prevent these scams, but fans must also take steps to protect themselves.
- Only purchase tickets from authorized retailers
- Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true
- Verify the authenticity of websites and social media ads
As the FIFA World Cup draws near, fans in Canada and around the world should be on high alert for potential scams. What happens next will depend on the effectiveness of authorities’ warnings and fans’ awareness of these schemes.
